Peripheral intravenous catheter with winged grip

ABSTRACT

A PIVC includes a catheter adapter having a catheter that extends distally from the catheter adapter, and an introducer needle that inserts through the catheter. The introducer needle has a grip component at a proximal end of the introducer needle. The grip component extends outwardly and distally to form a winged grip adjacent the catheter adapter when the introducer needle is inserted within the catheter. The grip component can be rotatable within the catheter adapter to allow repositioning of the winged grip with respect to the catheter adapter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.15/625,079, filed Jun. 16, 2017, titled PERIPHERAL INTRAVENOUS CATHETERWITH WINGED GRIP, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.14/326,087, filed Jul. 8, 2014, titled PERIPHERAL INTRAVENOUS CATHETERWITH WINGED GRIP, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to non-integrated peripheralintravenous catheters. More particularly, the present invention isdirected to non-integrated peripheral intravenous catheters that includea winged grip.

A winged infusion set is a device that is commonly used to access aperipheral vein either for intravenous injection or for blood draw. Anexample of a winged infusion set 700 is shown in FIG. 7. Winged infusionset 700 comprises a needle 701, wings 702 within which needle 701 ispositioned, and extension tubing 703 that is connected to a proximal endof needle 701. A proximal end of extension tubing 703 may include anadapter 704 or other structure for connecting another device (e.g. avacuum tube or a syringe) to winged infusion set 700.

Winged infusion set 700 is an example of an integrated intravenousdevice. Integrated refers to the fact that extension tubing 703 isintegrated with (or is not removed from) needle 701. In winged infusionset 700, needle 701 also remains within the patient's vasculaturethroughout the use of winged infusion set 700. In other words, needle701 functions as a catheter through which fluids are injected into thepatient's vasculature and/or blood is withdrawn from the patient'svasculature.

Wings 702 provide a gripping surface during insertion of needle 701.Typically, the clinician will grasp wings 702 between a thumb andforefinger which facilitates insertion of needle 701 at a shallow angle.For this reason, a winged infusion set is oftentimes preferred byclinicians when accessing a peripheral vein.

The integrated nature of winged infusion set 700 also minimizes the riskof blood exposure during vascular access. Because needle 701 remainswithin the patient's vasculature and because extension tubing 703 isconnected to needle 701, there is little possibility for blood to escapefrom winged infusion set 700 (other than through the intended exit pointat the proximal end of extension tubing 703).

Winged infusion sets, however, have various disadvantages when comparedto other peripheral intravenous devices such as a non-integratedperipheral intravenous catheter. For example, needle 701 is typicallymade of steel which is more likely to cause vein damage than polymericcatheters. In particular, the sharpened tip of needle 701 may cut,scrape, rupture, or otherwise damage the vein wall while needle 701 isinserted intravenously. For this reason, winged infusion sets are nottypically left within the patient for extended periods of time. As aresult, if the patient requires multiple vasculature accesses, thepatient will likely have to be punctured multiple times since needle 701is typically not left within the vasculature between accesses.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention extends to non-integrated peripheral intravenouscatheters (PIVCs) that include a winged grip. The winged grip PIVCs canbe used in a similar manner as integrated winged infusion sets whileproviding the benefit of an over-the-needle catheter. The winged gripPIVCs, in some embodiments, can also provide blood control features tominimize the risk of exposure to blood. In this way, clinicians that areaccustomed to using integrated winged infusion sets can transition tousing non-integrated PIVCs without the concern of an increased risk toblood exposure.

The blood control features, in some embodiments, can be configured toallow multiple accesses to the patient's vasculature thereby enabling awinged grip PIVC to be left within the patient's vasculature for longerperiods of time and across multiple accesses. In some embodiments, thewinged grip can be adjustable while retaining a fixed orientation of theneedle bevel to the clinician's grip.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the winged grip can be formedas part of the introducer needle. For example, a grip component canextend outwardly from the introducer needle to form a winged grip. Insome embodiments, the grip component can also function to secure theintroducer needle to the catheter adapter of the PIVC.

In a first example embodiment, the present invention is implemented as aPIVC that comprises a catheter adapter having a catheter that extendsdistally from the catheter adapter, and an introducer needle thatinserts through the catheter. The introducer needle has a grip componentat a proximal end of the introducer needle. The grip component extendsoutwardly and distally to form a winged grip adjacent the catheteradapter when the introducer needle is inserted within the catheter.

In the first example embodiment, the catheter adapter can include awinged grip that extends outwardly from the catheter adapter. Thecatheter adapter can also include a blood-control feature for preventingblood from flowing proximally through the catheter adapter. Theblood-control feature can be configured in some cases to be actuatedmultiple times to allow blood to flow proximally through the catheteradapter.

In the first example embodiment, the grip component can secure theintroducer needle to the catheter adapter. In some cases, the gripcomponent can be rotatable within the catheter adapter to allow therepositioning of the winged grip relative to the catheter adapter. Insome cases, the introducer needle can include a needle shield forshielding a tip of the introducer needle.

In a second example embodiment, the present invention is implemented asa PIVC that comprises a catheter adapter having a catheter extendingdistally from the catheter adapter. The catheter adapter includes afirst winged grip that extends outwardly from the catheter adapter. ThePIVC also comprises an introducer needle that extends through thecatheter. The introducer needle includes a grip component positioned ata proximal end of the introducer needle. The grip component forms asecond winged grip.

In the second example embodiment, the grip component can secure theintroducer needle within the catheter adapter including, in some cases,being rotatable within the catheter adapter thereby allowing the firstwinged grip to be repositioned with respect to the second winged grip.In some cases, the grip component may also include a vent for ventinggases contained within a lumen of the introducer needle. The catheteradapter may also include a blood-control feature for preventing bloodfrom flowing proximally through the catheter adapter.

In a third example embodiment, the present invention is implemented as aPIVC comprising a catheter adapter having a catheter extending distallyfrom the catheter adapter, and an introducer needle that extends throughthe catheter. The introducer needle includes a grip component positionedat a proximal end of the introducer needle. The grip component securesthe introducer needle to the catheter adapter and forms a winged gripthat extends outwardly from the introducer needle.

In the third example embodiment, the winged grip can extend distallyalong the introducer needle such that the winged grip extends alongsidethe catheter adapter when the introducer needle is secured to thecatheter adapter. The grip component can be rotatable within thecatheter adapter to enable repositioning of the winged grip around aportion of the catheter adapter. The catheter adapter may also include awinged grip.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. Thefeatures and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out inthe appended claims. These and other features of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention asset forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and otheradvantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a moreparticular description of the invention briefly described above will berendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not thereforeto be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will bedescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an example PIVC that includes a catheter adapterand an introducer needle having a grip component that forms a wingedgrip;

FIG. 1A is an exploded view of the example PIVC of FIG. 1 showing theintroducer needle removed from the catheter adapter;

FIG. 2 is a top view of another example PIVC that includes a catheteradapter having a winged grip and an introducer needle having a gripcomponent that forms a winged grip;

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the example PIVC of FIG. 2 showing theintroducer needle removed from the catheter adapter;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an example introducer needle that includes agrip component forming a winged grip and that also includes a vent forventing gases from within the introducer needle;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are proximal views of the example PIVC of FIG. 2 showingdifferent rotational positions between the grip component and thecatheter adapter;

FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate a variation of the PIVC shown in FIGS. 4A and4B in which the catheter adapter includes protrusions to limit rotationbetween the winged grips;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional top view of an catheter adapter having ablood-control feature that can be used in a PIVC configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an example PIVC configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of two example PIVCs illustrating theintroducer needle both positioned within and removed from the catheteradapter; and

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a prior art winged infusion set.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example PIVC 100 that is configured in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention. PIVC 100 includes acatheter adapter 110 and an introducer needle 121. Catheter adapter 110includes a catheter 111 that extends distally from the catheter adapter.Introducer needle 121 includes a grip component 120 within whichintroducer needle 121 is secured and from which introducer needle 121extends distally.

When introducer needle 121 is inserted through catheter 111 (which wouldbe the case prior to inserting catheter 111 into a patient'svasculature), grip component 120 is positioned at a proximal end ofcatheter adapter 110 as is shown in FIG. 1.

Grip component 120 includes or forms a winged grip 122. Winged grip 122comprises a portion of grip component 120 (whether integrally orseparately formed from grip component 120) that extends distally alongand outwardly from catheter adapter 120 when grip component 120 ispositioned at the proximal end of catheter adapter 110. In this way,winged grip 122 forms a surface that a clinician can grip whileinserting introducer needle 121 into a patient's vasculature.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exploded view of PIVC 100 showing introducerneedle 121 removed from catheter adapter 110. Once catheter 111 isplaced intravenously, introducer needle 121 can be withdrawn fromcatheter adapter 110 as shown by pulling proximally on grip component120.

Grip component 120 can include a distal portion 123 that is sized andshaped to be inserted within the proximal end of catheter adapter 110.In some embodiments, distal portion 123 can be circular and have arelatively smooth outer surface thereby allowing grip component 120 tobe freely rotated within the proximal opening of catheter adapter 110.In such embodiments, the diameter of distal portion 123 can be slightlylarger than the diameter of the proximal opening of catheter adapter 110so that grip component 120 can be secured to catheter adapter 110.However, in other embodiments, distal portion 123 need not be configuredto secure grip component 120 to catheter 110. In such cases, thefriction between introducer needle 121 and catheter 111 may besufficient to prevent introducer needle 121 from separatingunintentionally from catheter adapter 110.

In other embodiments, distal portion 123 (as well as an inner surface ofcatheter adapter 110) can include threads or other structure forsecuring grip component 120 within catheter adapter 110. In suchembodiments, the threads or other structure may also be configured tolimit the rotation of grip component 120 within catheter adapter 110.Limiting the rotation of grip component 120 within catheter adapter 110can facilitate proper positioning of winged grip 122 as will be furtherdescribed below.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example PIVC 200 that is configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Similar toPIVC 100, PIVC 200 includes a catheter adapter 210 having a catheter 211and an introducer needle 221 having a grip component 220 that formswinged grip 222. However, in contrast to PIVC 100, catheter adapter 210also includes a winged grip 212. Winged grip 212 extends outwardly fromcatheter adapter 210. In some embodiments, winged grip 212 can be rigid,while in others, winged grip 212 may be flexible or incorporate a hingeto allow movement of winged grip 212 with respect to catheter adapter210.

As shown in FIG. 2A, introducer needle 221 can be removed from catheteradapter 210 as described with respect to FIG. 1A above. Grip component220 can include a distal portion 223 that can be configured in any ofthe ways described above with respect to distal portion 123.

As shown in each of FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, and 2A, winged grip 122 and 222 canbe positioned so that the sharpened or beveled distal tip of theintroducer needle and the winged grip have the same orientation. Forexample, in these figures, winged grip 122 and 222 are positioned sothat when the top surface of the winged grip is facing upwards, thebeveled distal tip will also face upward. In this way, the clinician canknow that the beveled distal tip is in the proper orientation forinsertion through the patient's skin when the winged grip of theintroducer needle is facing upwards.

Introducer needles 121 and 221 are configured for insertion using theright hand. In particular, the clinician would typically grasp PIVC 100and 200 in the right hand with the thumb placed on the top surface ofwinged grip 122/222 and the fingers wrapped underneath winged grip122/22 and/or catheter adapter 110/210. To configure an introducerneedle for left handed use, the introducer needle would be rotated 180degrees with respect to the grip component from what is shown in FIGS.1, 1A, 2, and 2A thereby causing the winged grip to extend to the leftwhen the beveled distal tip is facing upward.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example introducer needle 321 that includes a gripcomponent 320 forming a winged grip 322. Grip component 320 includes avent 320 a for venting gases from within introducer needle 321. Forexample, vent 320 a can be formed by incorporating a material 325 withingrip component 320 that is permeable to gas but not to fluids. Althoughnot shown, vent 320 a may alternatively be formed as one or moreopenings within grip component 320 that are sufficiently large to allowthe passage of gas, but that are sufficiently small to prevent orminimize the flow of fluids through the openings. Accordingly, any typeof vent that can be formed within grip component 320 for venting gasesfrom within introducer needle 321 can be employed in embodiments of thepresent invention.

A grip component of an introducer needle can be configured with a ventto facilitate flow of blood into the introducer needle. This flow ofblood, or flashback, can provide visual feedback to the clinician thatthe introducer needle has been properly placed within the vasculature ofthe patient. Although not shown in FIG. 3, an introducer needle inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention can include anotch or opening to allow the blood to flow into the catheter where itwill be visible as flashback.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are proximal views of PIVC 200 when positioned over apatient's arm 400 prior to or during insertion of introducer needle 211into the patient's vasculature. FIG. 4A represents a first relativepositioning between catheter adapter 220 and grip component 210 (orequally between catheter adapter 220 and introducer needle 211), whileFIG. 4B represents a second relative positioning between catheteradapter 220 and grip component 210. As described above, in someembodiments, winged grip 222 can be aligned with the bevel of the distaltip of introducer needle 211. In such cases, the orientation of wingedgrip 222 shown in both FIGS. 4A and 4B would result in the bevel facingupward.

Because grip component 220, in some embodiments, can be rotatable withincatheter 210, winged grip 212 can be repositioned with respect to wingedgrip 222. Some clinicians may prefer having winged grips 212 and 222spaced 180 degrees apart as is shown in FIG. 4A, while others may preferhaving winged grips 212 and 222 spaced 90 degrees apart as shown in FIG.4B. Grip component 220, and more particularly distal portion 223, can beconfigured to allow this type of rotation so that winged grips 212 and222 can be positioned in accordance with a particular clinician'spreferences.

In some embodiments, grip component 220 and/or catheter adapter 210 caninclude one or more structures for limiting the relative rotationbetween the two components. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D,catheter adapter 210 can include protrusions 401 a and 401 b that areconfigured to contact winged grip 222 to limit rotation to 90 degrees.As shown in FIG. 4C, protrusion 401 b is positioned on an externalsurface of catheter adapter 210 (e.g. near the proximal opening) so thatwhen winged grip 212 is rotated away from winged grip 222, protrusion401 b contacts a bottom surface of winged grip 222 stopping rotationonce the two components are positioned 180 degrees apart. Similarly, asshown in FIG. 4D, protrusion 401 a is positioned on an external surfaceof catheter adapter 210 so that when winged grip 212 is rotated towardswinged grip 222, protrusion 401 a contacts a top surface of winged grip222 stopping rotation once the two components are positioned 90 degreesapart.

Protrusions 401 a and 401 b could also be located to enable differentranges of motion from what is shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D. In otherembodiments, one or more protrusions or other structures could be formedon grip component 220 so as to contact one or more other suitablestructures formed on catheter adapter 210 to limit rotation to a desiredamount.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the catheter adapter (e.g.catheter adapters 110, 210, 510, 610) can be colored based on a gauge ofthe catheter. In this way, a clinician can quickly and easily identify aPIVC of a desired gauge by simply locating a PIVC having a catheteradapter of the appropriate color. Similarly, the clinician can quicklyidentify the gauge of a particular PIVC using the color of its catheteradapter.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the catheter adapter of aPIVC can include a blood-control feature. For example, FIG. 5illustrates a cross-sectional view of a catheter adapter 510 thatincludes a blood-control feature. The blood-control feature isimplemented using an elastomeric valve or septum 516 and an activator515. Activator 515 includes a lumen 515 a through which an introducerneedle can extend. Septum 516 can include a slit 516 a through which theintroducer needle as well as activator 515 can extend.

FIG. 5 can represent the state of the blood-control feature when adevice is not connected to catheter adapter 510. As shown, when nodevice is connected, activator 515 is positioned proximally to septum516. Septum 516 thereby forms a seal preventing fluid from flowingthrough catheter adapter 510. In some embodiments, including as shown inFIG. 5, the blood-control feature can include a spring 517 for biasingactivator 515 in the proximal position.

Once a device is connected to catheter adapter 510, the device can forceactivator 515 into a distal position through septum 516 thereby openinga fluid path through septum 516. Then, once the device is disconnectedfrom catheter adapter 510, spring 517 can force activator 515 back intothe proximal position again allowing septum 516 to form a seal. In someembodiments, septum 516 and/or activator 515 can be configured tonaturally bias activator 515 into the proximal position such that spring517 would not be required.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide anon-integrated PIVC having a winged grip and incorporating ablood-control feature. Such PIVCs can be employed to perform intravenousaccess in a similar manner as with prior art winged infusion sets, butwithout the many limitations inherent in such prior art sets. Further,because a PIVC in accordance with embodiments of the invention can allowthe winged grips to be rotated with respect to one another, a greaterdegree of customization can be provided to match the preferences of aparticular clinician.

FIG. 6A illustrates a top perspective view of a PIVC 600 that isconfigured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention. PIVC 600 includes a catheter adapter 610 that includes acatheter 611 and forms a winged grip 612. PIVC 600 also includes anintroducer needle 621 that includes a grip component 620. The gripcomponent 620 extends to form a winged grip 622. Introducer needle 621includes a notch 621 a to facilitate the appearance of flashback duringinsertion. Although not shown, grip component 620 can include a vent forventing gases from within introducer needle 621 thereby facilitatingblood flow into introducer needle 621 and through notch 621 a. PIVC 600also includes a blood-control feature 615 similar to the blood controlfeature described with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 6B provides a front perspective view of PIVC 600 when introducerneedle 621 is contained within catheter adapter 610 (top) and whenintroducer needle 621 has been removed from catheter adapter 610(bottom). As shown, once introducer needle 621 is removed, blood-controlfeature 615 can form a seal preventing the flow of blood throughcatheter adapter 610. With introducer needle 621 removed, a device canbe attached to the proximal end of catheter adapter 610. The device canbe shaped so that, when attached, it activates blood-control feature 615(e.g. by forcing an activator through a septum or otherwise opening avalve) thereby allowing the flow of fluids through catheter adapter 610.

Many variations of the above described examples may also be employed ona PIVC configured in accordance with the present invention. For example,in addition to the shapes of the winged grips shown in the figures,other shapes of winged grips can also be used. In embodiments thatemploy a winged grip on the catheter adapter, the opposing winged gripsneed not have symmetrical shapes. For example, one winged grip can berounded (such as is shown in the figures) while the other may bestraight.

Additionally, in any of the above described examples, a needle shieldmay be employed to cover the beveled distal tip of the introducer needleonce the introducer needle is withdrawn from the catheter. Also, in anyof the above described examples, an antimicrobial coating can be appliedwithin the catheter adapter including on any blood-control feature.

In some embodiments, a PIVC can include an integrated extension set. Forexample, an extension set can be integrated into the proximal side ofthe catheter adapter. In such cases, a blood-control feature may not berequired since the integrated extension set with adapter can serve asthe blood control feature and access port. In this case, a septum in thecatheter adapter can provide a non-opening seal once the introducerneedle is withdrawn.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A peripheral intravenous catheter comprising: a catheter adapterhaving a catheter that extends distally from the catheter adapter; andan introducer needle that inserts through the catheter, the introducerneedle having a grip component at a proximal end of the introducerneedle, the grip component extending outwardly and distally to form awinged grip adjacent the catheter adapter when the introducer needle isinserted within the catheter.
 2. The peripheral intravenous catheter ofclaim 1, wherein the catheter adapter includes a winged grip thatextends outwardly from the catheter adapter.
 3. The peripheralintravenous catheter of claim 1, wherein the grip component secures theintroducer needle to the catheter adapter.
 4. The peripheral intravenouscatheter of claim 1, wherein the grip component is rotatable within thecatheter adapter.
 5. The peripheral intravenous catheter of claim 4,wherein the catheter adapter includes a winged grip that extendsoutwardly from the catheter adapter such that, when the grip componentis rotated within the catheter adapter, the winged grip of the gripcomponent is repositioned with respect to the winged grip of thecatheter adapter.
 6. The peripheral intravenous catheter of claim 5,wherein the grip component is rotatable within the catheter adapter atleast 90 degrees.
 7. The peripheral intravenous catheter of claim 6,wherein at a first rotational position of the grip component, the wingedgrip of the grip component is positioned 90 degrees from the winged gripof the catheter adapter, and at a second rotational position of the gripcomponent, the winged grip of the grip component is positioned 180degrees from the winged grip of the catheter adapter.
 8. The peripheralintravenous catheter of claim 1, wherein the grip component includes avent for venting gasses from a lumen of the introducer needle.
 9. Theperipheral intravenous catheter of claim 1, wherein the catheter adapterincludes a blood-control feature for preventing blood from flowingproximally through the catheter adapter.
 10. The peripheral intravenouscatheter of claim 1, wherein the catheter adapter is colored based on agauge of the catheter.
 11. The peripheral intravenous catheter of claim1, wherein the introducer needle includes a needle shield for shieldinga tip of the introducer needle.
 12. A peripheral intravenous cathetercomprising: a catheter adapter having a catheter extending distally fromthe catheter adapter, the catheter adapter including a first winged gripthat extends outwardly from the catheter adapter; and an introducerneedle that extends through the catheter, the introducer needleincluding a grip component positioned at a proximal end of theintroducer needle, the grip component forming a second winged grip. 13.The peripheral intravenous catheter of claim 12, wherein the gripcomponent secures the introducer needle within the catheter adapter. 14.The peripheral intravenous catheter of claim 13, wherein the gripcomponent is rotatable within the catheter adapter thereby allowing thefirst winged grip to be repositioned with respect to the second wingedgrip.
 15. The peripheral intravenous catheter of claim 12, wherein thegrip component includes a vent for venting gases contained within alumen of the introducer needle.
 16. The peripheral intravenous catheterof claim 12, wherein the catheter adapter includes a blood-controlfeature for preventing blood from flowing proximally through thecatheter adapter.
 17. A peripheral intravenous catheter comprising: acatheter adapter having a catheter extending distally from the catheteradapter; and an introducer needle that extends through the catheter, theintroducer needle including a grip component positioned at a proximalend of the introducer needle, the grip component securing the introducerneedle to the catheter adapter and forming a winged grip that extendsoutwardly from the introducer needle.
 18. The peripheral intravenouscatheter of claim 17, wherein the winged grip extends distally along theintroducer needle such that the winged grip extends alongside thecatheter adapter when the introducer needle is secured to the catheteradapter.
 19. The peripheral intravenous catheter of claim 17, whereinthe catheter adapter includes a winged grip.
 20. The peripheralintravenous catheter of claim 17, wherein the grip component isrotatable within the catheter adapter to enable repositioning of thewinged grip around a portion of the catheter adapter.